Dubai: The number of seasonal flu cases have increased by about 15 to 20 per cent, up from six weeks ago — an expected rise according to the Preventive Services Centre at Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Private hospitals have reported that almost 20 patients are being diagnosed with flu every day.
The flu season is underway as indicated by the number of residents hit by the seasonal influenza virus, complaining of symptoms like cough, headache, fever, sore throat, and aching muscles and joints.
Experts in preventive medicine have advised vaccinations against flu and its complications.
The seasonal flu activity lasts from September till February said the Preventive Services Centre. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two main types of influenza (flu) virus — types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
In September, Gulf News reported that seasonal flu cases were expected to rise by about 15 to 20 per cent with changing weather. To deal with the high incidence of seasonal flu, doctors had advised residents to get a flu vaccine, which may not protect a person completely from the flu virus, but it decreases the symptoms and duration.
Dr Fatma Al Attar, consultant family physician and head of the Preventive Services Centre at DHA told Gulf News that the authority doesn’t have baseline data on influenza cases, but advises two vaccines — influenza and pneumococcal. Referred to as flu and pneumo jabs, these can potentially save a person’s life.
She said that most common complication arising from flu is a chest infection that could become serious and develop into pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs. “Pneumonia [inflammation of the lungs] is one of the preventable complications of influenza. A pneumococcal vaccine will protect against pneumonia. Every flu season, we see more patients being admitted due to flu complications increasing the burden of seasonal flu,” she said.
Dr Riaz Ahmad Khan, specialist registrar at DHA’s Preventive Services and Communicable Disease Section, told Gulf News that vaccines are highly recommended for high risk groups — elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
He said, “Every year, the flu vaccine is updated to fight new strands of viruses.”
Both doctors urged residents, who haven’t been vaccinated against flu — at the beginning of the flu season — to get vaccinated immediately.
Private medical institutions have reported an increase in patients with flu symptoms.
Dr Lalit Uchil, specialist internal medicine at Welcare Ambulatory Care Centre, Dubai told Gulf News that the hospital has seen a marked increase in patients with flu and pneumonia. “The emergency department handle s 10 to 15 new cases every day, and internal medicine, four to five. There is definitely 15 to 20 per cent increase in patients with flu compared to six weeks ago.”
Dr Salvin George, Specialist Internal Medicine — Medcare Hospital, Dubai said, “The recent change of climate has witnessed a rise in flu cases.”
He advised residents to avoid self-medication, especially over the counter antibiotics.
